[dropcap]T[/dropcap]hrough the partnership and support of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), Friends of the Environment was able to offer a new summer camp this July for the children of Abaco. Camps were held in both Sandy Point and Marsh Harbour to introduce kids aged 9-11 to fishing. The curriculum, which was developed by the IGFA, covered all the steps of learning how to fish, from knot tying and baiting hooks, to casting and de-hooking. Campers learned about safety, as well as rules and regulations and how to be sustainable anglers. For many campers it was their first time using a rod and reel and a number of them caught their “first fish EVER”, which was very exciting!
In partnership with Abaco Lodge, Marsh Harbour campers were able to learn all about fly-fishing and bonefish. Several bonefish guides donated their time to take the campers for a ride on a flats boat into The Marls where they fished for snapper, barracuda, and other fish along the mangroves. Local guide, Paul Pinder volunteered at both the Sandy Point and Marsh Harbour camp. He taught the campers how to tie their own flies and cast a fly rod; they all did a great job trying such a difficult skill. IGFA staff members and volunteers also assisted with the course and the extra hands were needed as the campers simultaneously reeled in their catch.
Many of the campers live in communities that rely on the sea, so FRIENDS was excited to be able to teach them about the potential for future careers in fishing and ways that they can be involved in conserving marine resources for the future.
For more information on IGFA, visit www.ifga.org.